Steel plant dumps cyanide into Little Calumet River, killing fish and shutting down Indiana Dunes Chicago Sun-Times
An unknown substance was spilled in the east branch of the Little Calumet River, causing fish to die.
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13 questions (and answers) about the 2020 Emergency Response Guidebook
Believe it or not, 2020 is only a few months away, and that means it’s almost time for the Dangerous Goods version of the summer Olympics—the quadrennial release of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Since we’re already seeing heavy pre-orders for the new 2020 ERG, we wanted to take a few minutes to answer a…
Oxnard streets temporarily blocked off due to hazardous materials incident – KEYT
Oxnard streets temporarily blocked off due to hazardous materials incident KEYT
A hazardous materials incident happened early Thursday afternoon in the Oxnard industrial area.
PRO/EDR> Diphtheria – India (02): (TN) fatal
Diphtheria -- IndiaIn early July [2019], 2 children from Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu's Erode district succumbed to diphtheria. Around this time, several other cases of diphtheria were being reported from the state. The latest information shows that at least 50 people have been admitted to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital with diphtheria.Health officials in the state have begun stepping up measures to ensure that the spread of the disease is contained and that more people are vaccinated. Read more [...]
Amid residents’ fears from November toxic gas release, Del. plant hopes to resume production – WHYY
Amid residents’ fears from November toxic gas release, Del. plant hopes to resume production WHYY
A Delaware chemical plant that has been partly closed since late November after the release of more than a ton of highly flammable toxic gas hopes to fully …
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (26): (AR) pigs
Japanese Encephalitis -- IndiaAbout 15% of the blood samples collected from pigs in 5 districts have tested positive for Japanese encephalitis (JE).Of the 179 blood samples collected from pigs in East Siang, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Lohit and Longding, 28 have tested positive for JE, the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development department said in a press statement.The department conducted the survey recently to detect the possible presence of an antibody against the JE virus in the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (17): (MN) lake swimming
E. coli -- United States[Minnesota] state health officials said [Tue 13 Aug 2019], 3 children are sick from _E. coli_ bacteria after swimming in a Minneapolis lake. The children have tested positive for the same strain of _E. coli_ after swimming at Lake Nokomis beaches between [26 Jul and 2 Aug 2019]. 2 beaches of the lake are closed until further notice, the Minnesota Department of Health said. The children, all under the age of 10, were not hospitalized.Minneapolis Park Board Superintendent Al Read more [...]
Serpientes venenosas: un peligro olvidado para quienes trabajan al aire libre
Las personas que trabajan al aire libre pueden afrontar varios peligros. Uno de estos peligros, frecuentemente inesperados, son las mordeduras de serpiente. Se pueden encontrar serpientes venenosas en lugares de trabajo en todos los Estados Unidos. Las áreas geográficas del país donde las personas que trabajan al aire libre tienen más probabilidades de encontrarse con una serpiente venenosa son las del sur, el sudoeste y el oeste. Entre el 2008 y el 2015, la mayor cantidad Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Madagascar (02): (AV) bubonic
Plague -- MadagascarIn Madagascar, the plague season has started. The 1st 3 cases of bubonic plague have just been recorded 50 km west of the capital. No deaths have occurred for the moment, but the Ministry of Health is watching. As every year, awareness campaigns have started. The goal: to prevent the spread of epidemics like that of 2017, the black year, which had more than 200 victims and 2400 people infected by the bacterium throughout the Malagasy territory."Do not repeat the mistakes of the Read more [...]
PRO> Arsenic poisoning – France: children, infants
Poisoning -- France38 children in France, including babies, living near what was once Europe's largest gold mine have tested positive for arsenic poisoning.Children in the Orbiel Valley, in the southern department of Aude, were examined when families became concerned that flooding in October last year [2018] had carried arsenic and heavy metals from the nearby Salsigne mine.After testing 103 children aged under 11 years, the Occitanie Regional Health Agency confirmed on Tue [13 Aug 2019] that 38 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (11): Nigeria (EB)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaThe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is aware of a suspected outbreak of yellow fever in Ebonyi state and has had a rapid response team supporting Ebonyi state's response since [Tue 30 Jul 2019], in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).Following a report of cases and deaths from fever of unknown origin in Izzi local government area (LGA) in Ebonyi state, the state public health team commenced an investigation. As at [Wed 31 Jul 2019], 3 cases had tested Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (55)
Measles -- Worldwide/UnknownMonthly measles and rubella monitoring report August 2019; period covered: 1 Jul 2018-30 Jun 2019Introduction. The monitoring report is based on measles [and rubella - not reported here - Mod.LK] data from the European Surveillance System (TESSy) for 1 Jul 2018-30 Jun 2019.Since the previous monthly measles update in the Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) published on 19 Jul 2019, updates have been provided for 14 EU/EEA countries: Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Read more [...]
Congressman Hank Johnson questions EPA, EPD on chemical release – Rockdale Newton Citizen
Congressman Hank Johnson questions EPA, EPD on chemical release Rockdale Newton Citizen
COVINGTON – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent letters to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state Environmental Protection …
PRO/AH/EDR> Tularemia – Sweden (02): alert
Tularemia -- SwedenIn Sweden, mosquitoes are considered the major vectors of the bacterium _Francisella tularensis_ subsp. _holarctica_, which causes tularemia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mosquitoes acquire the bacterium as aquatic larvae and transmit the disease as adults. Mosquitoes sampled in a Swedish area where tularemia is endemic (Orebro) were positive for the presence of _F. tularensis_ deoxyribonucleic acid throughout the summer. Presence of the clinically relevant Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (61): Myanmar (SH) domestic, 1st rep, OIE
African Swine Fever -- MyanmarInformation received on [and dated] 14 Aug 2019 from Dr Ye Tun Win, Chief Veterinary Officer Director General, Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Nay Pyi Taw, MyanmarSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 1 Aug 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 9 Aug 2019Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the countryCausal agent: African swine fever virusNature of diagnosis: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – USA (05): (MA)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesA man in Massachusetts has been infected with a mosquito-borne virus called eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), health officials confirmed [Sat 10 Aug 2019]. It's the 1st human case reported in the state since 2013.At least 9 towns are at "critical risk" of exposure to the rare but potentially fatal virus, which can cause brain swelling, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.It's the latest in a series of warnings from state officials Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (39): Moldova (CS) domestic, spread, OIE
African Swine Fever -- Worldwide/UnknownInformation received on [and dated] 13 Aug 2019 from Dr Vitalie Caraus, Head of the Animal Health and Welfare Department, Animal Health and Welfare Department, National Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, MoldovaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 9 Aug 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 12 Aug 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 12 Nov 2017Manifestation Read more [...]
Rep. Johnson questions EPA, EPD on chemical release – Rockdale Newton Citizen
Rep. Johnson questions EPA, EPD on chemical release Rockdale Newton Citizen
COVINGTON – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent letters to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state Environmental Protection …
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (32): Bolivia (TR)
Hantavirus -- BoliviaSoldier LC, who completed his military service in the Bolivian Condors School (ESCONBOL) in Sanadita, died of [a] hantavirus [infection], according to laboratory results issued this [Wed 31 Jul 2019] by the National Center for Tropical Diseases (CENETROP) of the Tarija Department of Health Service (SEDES).The Chief of Epidemiology, Claudia Montenegro, confirmed that the conscript died from this disease that is transmitted by the long-tailed rat and that he had been infected in Read more [...]
30,000 gallon tank spews anhydrous ammonia in Collins – KCCI Des Moines
30,000 gallon tank spews anhydrous ammonia in Collins KCCI Des Moines
Hazardous materials teams have been called to Collins, Iowa, where an anhydrous ammonia leak was reported Tuesday.
I-65 ramp in Clanton reopened hours after truck fire – WSFA
I-65 ramp in Clanton reopened hours after truck fire WSFA
An overnight vehicle fire in Chilton County prompted the closure of a busy interstate on-ramp. The ramp is now open.
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – North America (12): USA (MN, IN) horse
Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesThree rare horse diseases were recently found in Otter Tail, Pine and Swift counties, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. Recent testing shows equine infectious anemia (EIA) was found in Pine County.Equine infectious anemia requires infected horses to be euthanized or quarantined for life due to lack of treatment or vaccine. It is not known to affect humans."This is also a high-risk time of year for horses to become infected with these diseases," Read more [...]
7-Eleven reaches $1.5 million settlement for improper hazardous materials training – Ventura County Star
7-Eleven reaches $1.5 million settlement for improper hazardous materials training Ventura County Star
7-Eleven Inc. has reached a $1.5 million settlement with California prosecutors regarding illegal handling of hazardous materials.
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – Zambia (04): (SO) cattle, st pending
Foot and Mouth -- ZambiaFoot and mouth disease [FMD] has broken out in Shamabele area in Chikankata district of Southern province. And Ministry of Livestock officials in Southern province have with immediate effect closed the famous Turn Pike Bata Co-operative Society Abattoir following the outbreak of disease.This has been confirmed by Bata Co-operative Society Chairperson for Hides and Beef Traders Association, Daniel Bweupe in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (79): Congo DR (NK, IT) therapeutics, response, research
Ebola -- DR CongoTwo Ebola drugs have proven so effective in a clinical trial that researchers will make the treatments available to anyone infected with the virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where Ebola has killed nearly 1900 people over the past year.The survival rate for people who received either drug shortly after infection, when levels of the virus in their blood were low, was 90%."It's really good news," says Sabue Mulangu, an infectious-disease researcher at the National Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabbit hemorrhagic disease – Ireland: wild rabbit
Other Animal Disease -- IrelandRabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) a disease which is fatal to rabbits and hares but of no risk to humans, has been confirmed in the wild in Ireland for the 1st time.RHD causes death within a few days of infection, with sick animals having swollen eyelids, partial paralysis and bleeding from the eyes and mouth. In the latter states close to death, animals exhibit unusual behaviour such as emerging from cover into the open and convulsing or fitting before dying.Irish Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Canada: (NT) bison, no new cases
Anthrax — Canada
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Belarus: (BR) horse, OIE
Anthrax -- BelarusInformation received on [and dated] 12 Aug 2019 from Dr. Ivan Smilhin, Deputy Minister, Director, Veterinary and Food Supervision, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Minsk, BelarusSummary:Report type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 8 Aug 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 10 Aug 2019Reason for notification: First occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: Clinical diseaseCausal agent: _Bacillus anthracis_ Nature of diagnosis: Laboratory Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Nepal: (KT) buffalo, wildlife at risk
Anthrax -- NepalAnthrax spores have been detected in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a sanctuary to a huge population of protected species of wild buffaloes, raising alarm among conservationists. The finding came following the test of blood samples collected from dead cattle found in the reserve. Some 44 cattle were found dead in the grassland here on [Thu 8 Aug 2019].Dr. Sanjaya Kumar Yadav of Livestock Disease Research Laboratory, Biratnagar, confirmed the bacteria in the dead animals. "Anthrax is Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Scrub typhus – India (04): (HP) fatal
Scrub Typhus -- IndiaScrub typhus has killed 4 people in Himachal Pradesh while 241 others have tested positive. Scrub typhus is an acute illness caused by a bacterium _Orientia tsutsugamushi_, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mite larva [chigger] present in the soil having scrub vegetation. Himachal Pradesh is an endemic region as it has a large scrub vegetation.Of the total deaths reported this year [2019] so far, 1 death has been reported from Mandi district, while 3 deaths have Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tularemia – Spain (02): (CL)
Tularemia -- SpainThe detection of 3 new cases of tularemia in Villarramiel, Osorno and Palencia, brings to 23 the number of people affected by this disease associated with the overpopulation of voles in the province of Palencia, where they are studying 32 other possible cases.The Epidemiology Surveillance Network of the Junta de Castilla y León confirmed on [Mon 12 Aug 2019] 3 new cases of tularemia in the province of Palencia, where 23 people have been affected since 3 Jul 2019, as reported Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – USA (10): (ND) cows
Anthrax -- United StatesNorth Dakota agriculture officials say anthrax has been confirmed in a group of cows in a pasture in eastern Billings County. The case was confirmed [Fri 9 Aug 2019]. It is North Dakota's 1st reported case of anthrax this year [2019].North Dakota state veterinarian Susan Keller says producers in Billings County and surrounding areas should check with their veterinarians to see if they should start vaccinating their cattle for anthrax. Anthrax vaccines are readily available, Read more [...]
4 taken to hospital after hazardous spill between Newburgh, Evansville – Evansville Courier & Press
4 taken to hospital after hazardous spill between Newburgh, Evansville Evansville Courier & Press
A chemical leak along Indiana 66 in Warrick County closed the eastbound lanes for nearly two hours sending four to the hospital as a precaution.
Officials To Update Actions Taken By Chemical Plant Since 2018 Gas Leak That Temporarily Closed Delaware Memorial Bridge – CBS Philly
Officials To Update Actions Taken By Chemical Plant Since 2018 Gas Leak That Temporarily Closed Delaware Memorial Bridge CBS PhillyNEW CASTLE, Del. (CBS/AP) – Delaware environmental officials will update residents about actions taken by a chemical plant owner since a gas leak ... Read more [...]
4 people treated after chemical spill on highway – The Herald
4 people treated after chemical spill on highway The Herald
State police say a trooper and three drivers were taken to a hospital as a precaution after a chemical leak along a southwestern Indiana highway.
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (21): (NL,AS,BR)
Japanese Encephalitis -- IndiaOut of 57 individuals, 13 have tested positive for Japanese encephalitis (JE) in [Nagaland] State, with reports of 2 dying till date due to the vector-borne disease.Stating this, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) programme officer and Health & Family Welfare deputy director, Dr Neisakho Kere told Nagaland Post over telephone on [Wed 7 Aug 2019] that out of the 13 positive JE cases, 4 hailed from Assam and 9 from Nagaland, mainly from Dimapur Read more [...]
Truck fire with hazardous materials closes I-65 ramp in Clanton – WSFA
Truck fire with hazardous materials closes I-65 ramp in Clanton WSFA
An overnight vehicle fire in Chilton County has prompted the closure of a busy interstate on-ramp.
'Unprecedented' fires spread through the Arctic – Psuvanguard.com
‘Unprecedented’ fires spread through the Arctic Psuvanguard.com
Wildfires are spreading through parts of the Arctic, including Siberia, Alaska, Greenland and Canada at “unprecedented levels,” according to wildfire expert Mark …
DG Digest: PHMSA revisits requalification period for certain DOT 4-series cylinders, issues special permits
Summer doldrums this week as regulatory activity eases along. August is traditionally a slow month in our nation’s capital. PHMSA however stayed active and is the only player in this week’s digest. Here’s all the latest: PHMSA PHMSA is proposing to revise requirements on the requalification period for certain DOT 4-series specification cylinders in non-corrosive... Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Turkey (02): comment